REGION: First of two storms brings wintery temperatures, rain

The first of two storms expected to strike San Diego County this week arrived early Wednesday, bringing colder temperatures, light to moderate rain and gusty winds.

Crashes, fender benders and spin-outs were reported on nearly every major highway in the county in part due to rain-slicked roads.

Another period of strong west winds is expected later this week, the National Weather Service reports. That somewhat stronger storm will likely arrive Thursday night and last into Saturday.

The most significant precipitation will occur Friday, the agency said, and total rainfall from the second storm could range from a quarter to a half-inch near the coast to 1 to 2 inches in the mountains.

Local snow levels will lower to 4,000 to 4,500 feet Friday, with 4 to 8 inches of snowfall possible, mainly above 5,000 feet, according to the weather service.

There were 84 crashes reported on local roads as of 6 p.m. Wednesday, according to the California Highway Patrol's website. Fifty of them happened between 6 and 9 a.m.

Rainfall totals from the first storm ranged from a third of an inch near the coast to 1 to 2 inches in the mountains, according to the weather service. By 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, about a quarter of an inch had fallen in coastal communities such as Carlsbad and Vista, and about a third of an inch had fallen in Escondido.

The agency issued wind advisories until 9 p.m. Thursday for the mountains and 3 a.m. Friday for the deserts. During the advisory periods, 20- to 30-mph west winds, gusting up to 50 mph, are likely, according to the weather service.

In addition to the mountain and desert wind advisories, a small craft advisory was in effect until 9 a.m. Wednesday, prompted by gusty winds over coastal waters.